MYSTERY!: BRAT FARRAR {EPISODE 2} (TV)
Summary
This three-part dramatic miniseries, adapted from the 1949 novel by Josephine Tey, tells the story of the foundling Brat Farrar and his attempt to impersonate the long-lost heir to the Ashby fortune. The second episode begins as host Vincent Price recaps the events of the first part, and the program begins as Eleanor heads to the train station to meet "Patrick" and Beatrice fields calls from interested reporters. Ruth is excited to meet Patrick, but Jane maintains that it is unfair for him to suddenly turn up and take Simon's inheritance. Simon stays out of the house, riding his horse to the cliff where Patrick supposedly died. Eleanor and Brat's meeting is somewhat awkward, and back at Latchetts, Brat greets the two younger girls and remarks that little has changed in the house. Beatrice tells him that they will have a homecoming celebration that night, and maid Lana notes that Brat looks older than Simon. Simon finally returns and sizes up his "brother," declaring that he no longer doubts his identity. Later, Eleanor takes Brat to see the stables, and he is impressed with the horses, particularly Simon's new steed Timber. Simon unexpectedly allows Brat to ride him, though the wild horse nearly throws him off, suggesting an ulterior motive on Simon's part.
A reporter arrives to write a story on "the missing twin," but Beatrice sends him away with little information. Eleanor wonders if Patrick will offer Simon some kind of "partnership" with the inheritance, admitting that Patrick still seems like a stranger to her. Simon remains quietly suspicious, and the family discusses the failed actor Alec Loding, who is in fact George Ledingham's estranged brother, having changed his name. They toast to Patrick's homecoming, and later peruse the newspapers, glad to see that there is little mention of their story. When Ruth asks, Brad tells her that he is not a good enough rider to perform in a ring, and Simon states that he will ride Timber in an upcoming race. Beatrice mentions the twins' upcoming birthday, suggesting that they should hold off celebrating until the arrival of Uncle Charles, adding that Sandal will be arriving with papers to be signed regarding the inheritance. Brat journeys to the newspaper office and the reporter asks some questions about his supposed suicide note, and he glances through the articles about Patrick's death. Alec arrives unexpectedly at George's home, declaring that he is out of work and will "rest" there. Simon finally confronts Brat and says that he is not fooled and knows that he is not Patrick, but adds that Beatrice is too convinced. Brat turns down his offer of six hundred pounds to leave immediately, pointing out that he will soon gain much more, and Simon promises to make him sorry.
The family, sans Simon, attends church, and the townspeople all stare at the newcomer. Alec arrives and greets "Patrick," and Brat spots Eleanor talks to Roger, the young doctor, whom she may marry. Brat tells Alec that they must speak privately, and Alec mocks George's role as cleric as George suggests that the troubled Simon should come and talk to him. Later, the brothers discuss the twins, and Alec declares that Patrick is definitely who he claims to be. Eleanor gives Brat some of Patrick's childhood possessions and asks why he never wrote to them, and he suggests that he was ashamed and asks her about Roger. Sheila encounters Brat at the stables as he takes Timber out again, saying that she is not particularly "fond of" Simon, nor of riding, and wondering if she should pursue "Patrick" instead. Brat rides Timber out to the cliff, where he meets Alec and says that their plan cannot work, and Alec accuses him of having feelings for Eleanor, his supposed sister. Brat tells him that Simon knows the truth, and they wonder if he knows more about Patrick's true death than he has let on. Upon learning that Brat has ridden Timber, Simon explodes with anger and, despite Eleanor's attempts to calm things, declares that Brat will never inherit a cent. Price closes the installment by commenting on the history of twins in literature, including Jacob and Esau, and noting the many beliefs and superstitions surrounding "double births." Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS WGBH Boston, MA
- DATE: November 20, 1986 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:00:00
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:77413
- GENRE: N/A
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama, mystery/suspense; England; Miniseries
- SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 1986
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Terrance Dicks … Producer
- Rebecca Eaton … Producer
- Leonard Lewis … Director
- James Andrew Hall … Writer
- Josephine Tey … Based on the book by
- Dave Greenslade … Music by
- Vincent Price … Host
- Mark Greenstreet … Cast, Brat Farrar / Simon Ashby
- Francis Matthews … Cast, Alec Loding
- Angela Browne … Cast, Beatrice Ashby
- Frederick Treves … Cast, George Ledingham
- Dominque Barnes … Cast, Eleanor Ashby
- Jeremy Young … Cast, Mr. Gregg
- Melanie Hughes … Cast, Sheila Parslow
- Phillip Doulton … Cast, Dr. Roger Spence
- Gerard Kelly … Cast, Archie Macallan
- Dylan Dolan … Cast, Tony Toselli
- Victoria Bradley … Cast, Jane Ashby
- Rebecca Bradley … Cast, Ruth Ashby